Paris isn’t just about croissants and candlelit dinners. If you’re looking for a real pint, a proper pub quiz, or a place where the barman remembers your name, you’ll find it-hidden in plain sight among the cobblestone streets of the French capital. The city has a quiet but thriving scene of Irish and British pubs, each one a little slice of home for expats and a surprise treat for travelers who want more than wine and cheese.
Why Irish and British Pubs in Paris?
You might wonder why you’d walk past a Michelin-starred bistro to find a pub with Guinness on tap and fish and chips on the menu. It’s simple: these places aren’t just about the drinks. They’re about atmosphere. The clink of glasses, the hum of conversation over a game of darts, the smell of roasted peanuts and warm pub bread-it’s the kind of space where time slows down. And in a city known for its formality, that’s rare.
Irish pubs in Paris don’t try to be Irish. They just are. Same with British pubs. They don’t need fake Union Jacks or actors in bowler hats. The authenticity comes from the staff, the music, the way the beer is poured. These aren’t tourist traps. They’re communities.
The Top 5 Irish Pubs in Paris
Start your crawl with McGinty’s in the 6th arrondissement. Open since 1993, it’s the oldest Irish pub in the city. The walls are lined with Celtic art, the Guinness is poured perfectly, and the live music on Friday nights features real Irish folk bands-not karaoke. Locals come here after work. Tourists come here because they heard about it. Both leave happy.
Next, head to The Blackthorn in the 11th. It’s smaller, quieter, and feels like a basement pub in Dublin. The owner, a former Dublin bartender, insists on using only Irish whiskey and British ales. Their Shepherd’s Pie? The best in Paris. No exaggeration. People drive across the city for it.
Shamrock in Montmartre is the most colorful. Think green velvet booths, a ceiling covered in pennants, and a jukebox playing The Pogues. It’s louder, more tourist-friendly, but still genuine. They host weekly trivia nights with prizes like free pints and Irish chocolates.
Don’t miss The Celtic Knot in the 14th. It’s tucked away on a quiet street, but the word got out. The staff are all from Galway or Belfast. The beer list has over 20 rotating craft ales from the UK and Ireland. Their IPA from Cork? Smooth, hoppy, and nothing like the watery stuff you get in most Parisian bars.
And then there’s The Hibernian in the 18th. It’s the only one with a real fireplace. In winter, you’ll find expats huddled around it, sipping Jameson and talking about the Premier League. The owner once worked at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. He knows his stuff.
The Best British Pubs in Paris
If you’re after proper British pub culture, you’ll want to hit these spots.
The English House in the 1st arrondissement is the most traditional. Think wooden floors, leather armchairs, and a menu that includes sausage rolls, ploughman’s lunches, and real ale from Fuller’s and Greene King. They serve tea at 4 p.m. sharp. Yes, really. And no, it’s not a joke.
The Red Lion in the 9th is a favorite among London expats. It’s got a dartboard, a pool table, and a wall covered in old rugby tickets. They host Premier League screenings every Saturday. The crowd? Mostly British, but locals who love football come too. The cider here is imported from Herefordshire and served in pewter mugs.
The Duke of Wellington in the 16th is the fanciest British pub in Paris. It’s got a proper bar counter, a cigar lounge, and a menu that includes venison pie and Yorkshire pudding. The staff wear waistcoats. The beer selection includes rare cask ales you won’t find anywhere else in France. It’s pricier, but if you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a London club from the 1950s, this is it.
For something more modern, try The Taproom in the 3rd. It’s not a traditional pub-it’s a craft beer bar with British roots. They focus on small-batch ales from Yorkshire, Kent, and Scotland. The food is British-inspired: beef and ale pie, salt and vinegar chips, and sticky toffee pudding. It’s the kind of place you’d find in Shoreditch, but with a view of Paris rooftops.
And don’t skip The Three Horseshoes in the 20th. It’s in a working-class neighborhood, so it’s less polished but more real. The barman has been here since 1998. He knows every regular by name. They serve Boddingtons on draft, which is rare in France. And yes, they still have the original 1970s dartboard.
What Makes These Pubs Different from Regular Paris Bars?
Parisian bars are great for wine, cocktails, and people-watching. But they’re not built for lingering. You order, you drink, you leave. Pubs in Paris? They’re made for staying.
Here’s what sets them apart:
- Hours: Most stay open until 2 a.m. or later-unlike French bars that close at midnight.
- Food: Pub grub isn’t an afterthought. It’s the main event. Think bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, and ploughman’s lunches.
- Atmosphere: No dress code. No pretension. You’ll see suits, jeans, and even pajamas (yes, really).
- Music: Live folk, classic rock, or indie bands-not EDM or pop playlists.
- Service: Staff remember your name, your drink, and whether you like your Guinness with a little foam or a lot.
These aren’t just places to drink. They’re social hubs. You’ll make friends here. You’ll hear stories. You might even get invited to a pub quiz.
How to Navigate the Pub Crawl
Plan your crawl like this:
- Start at McGinty’s around 6 p.m. for a pint and a snack.
- Walk to The Blackthorn (15 minutes). Try their whiskey flight.
- Head to The English House by 8 p.m. for a proper British dinner.
- Walk to The Red Lion for a game of darts and a screening of the latest Premier League match.
- End at The Hibernian around 11 p.m. for a nightcap and a chat with the locals.
Pro tip: Take the metro. These pubs are spread out. Don’t try to walk between all of them. And don’t skip the last stop-the real magic happens after 10 p.m.
What to Order
Stick to these classics:
- Guinness: Always. No substitutions. It’s poured differently here than in Ireland-ask how it’s done.
- Real Ale: Look for cask-conditioned ales. They’re served at cellar temperature, not ice cold.
- Whiskey: Irish whiskey, not Scotch. Try Jameson, Bushmills, or Redbreast.
- Food: Shepherd’s Pie, Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Ploughman’s Lunch.
- Drinks to avoid: Anything labeled "Irish coffee" that’s not made with fresh whipped cream and Irish whiskey. Most Parisian versions are sweet, syrupy, and wrong.
When to Go
Weekends are lively, but weekdays are where the real locals hang out. If you want to blend in, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The crowds are thinner, the music is better, and the staff have more time to talk.
Special events to watch for:
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17): Every pub turns into a festival.
- England vs. Ireland rugby matches: The whole city feels like it’s in a pub.
- Christmas markets: Many pubs host mulled ale nights in December.
Final Thoughts
Paris doesn’t need to be perfect to be unforgettable. These pubs aren’t perfect either. They’re worn-in, loud, sometimes messy, and always warm. They’re the places you remember long after you’ve left the Eiffel Tower behind.
If you’re visiting Paris and only do one thing after dark, skip the rooftop bar. Go to a pub. Pour yourself a pint. Sit down. Talk to someone. You might just find a new favorite place-and maybe even a new friend.
Are Irish pubs in Paris expensive?
They’re pricier than regular Parisian bars, but not by much. A pint of Guinness costs €7-€9, and a pub meal runs €12-€18. That’s more than a café, but less than a restaurant. You’re paying for quality, atmosphere, and authenticity-not just a drink.
Do I need to speak French to get by in these pubs?
No. Most staff speak fluent English, and many are British or Irish expats themselves. A simple "Cheers" or "Top of the morning" gets you further than a half-remembered French phrase. But saying "Merci" never hurts.
Are these pubs family-friendly?
Most are not. They’re adult spaces with loud music, alcohol, and late hours. Some, like The English House, allow children before 8 p.m., but don’t expect high chairs or kids’ menus. If you’re traveling with kids, stick to cafés.
Can I watch Premier League games here?
Yes, especially at The Red Lion, The Duke of Wellington, and The Blackthorn. They show all major matches with English commentary. Bring your team scarf. You’ll find others wearing the same one.
Is there a pub crawl map or app for these bars?
No official one exists. But locals use Google Maps to pin their favorites. Search "Irish pub Paris" and sort by reviews. The top 10 are almost always the same. Stick to those, and you won’t go wrong.
